Papua Explorers Resort

Papua Explorers Resort

Pinsilim Bay Waisai, Yenwaoupnor, West Papua 98482 Indonesia
Traveler (895)
Basic accommodations, but very well ordered and pleasant
Room & Suite (143)
Pool & Beach (88)
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About

5.0
#1 of 1 cottage in Yenwaoupnor
Location
4.9
Rooms
4.9
Value
4.7
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.9
Sleep Quality
4.8
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Papua Explorers is a unique eco-resort committed to crafting immersive and sustainable encounters that seamlessly blend the beauty of marine biodiversity with the essence of human-nature connection. Papua Explorers Dive Resort is constructed using traditional Papuan construction methods and local, natural materials. Our water bungalows are designed to be in perfect harmony with the exotic surrounding, allowing the guests to feel the breeze from the rainforests, enjoy the songs of the tropical birds and soothe their souls with the flutter of the waves.
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Property amenities
Free internet
Free breakfast
Beach
Canoeing
Free airport transportation
Foot massage
Mosquito net
Outdoor furniture
Internet
Bar / lounge
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Happy hour
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Diving
Snorkeling
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Full body massage
Head massage
Massage
Neck massage
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Laundry service
Room features
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Seating area
Sofa
Wardrobe / closet
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, French, German, Indonesian and 1 more

Location

Pinsilim Bay Waisai, Yenwaoupnor, West Papua 98482 Indonesia
Getting there
Marinda Airport
13.1 mi•
See all flights
451Reviews33Q+A88Room tips
Traveler rating
  • 427
  • 20
  • 3
  • 0
  • 1
Time of year
Traveler type
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Detailed Reviews
dstrauss wrote a review Mar 2020
Boulder, Colorado
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I can't recommend the experience with Papua Explorers enough. From the pickup at the Sorong Airport through my departure, the entire experience was extremely well organized and professionally managed. The entire staff was excellent, the location is truly in paradise, and the diving was amazing. I would return in a heartbeat, and my only regret is that I was only able to spend 4 days with them (i booked at the last minute so that was the only availability) before transferring to another location for the remainder of my trip.

The overwater bungalow, or pondock, was very spacious and well appointed. The sun loungers and hammock were especially nice touches, and when the tide is high you can swim or snorkel directly from the deck. There are water coolers in each room so there is always fresh drinking water available during the stay, which was a nice convenience. The food was good, and there was a mix of local and western food, along with vegetarian options for each meal.

The diving was spectacular, and the whole diving operation was extremely well organized. The boats are small, so there was always a small group for each dive, which was nice. Surface intervals are all at a nice location, either a jetty or beach for the most part, and the staff really go out of their way to ensure that the diving experience is fantastic. All of the dive leads I was fortunate enough to go out with were super, and hopefully I can remember all of their names to recognize them. Zadrak especially was great; luckily I was with him for most of my dives, but Annina, Juliet, and Melinda were also super to dive with. They were very attentive to every diver's skill level and interests, and more than willing to offer help or advice to maximize everyone's comfort level and enjoyment of the experience. The organization and communication was really beyond any other diving experience I have had elsewhere in the world.

Hopefully I will be lucky enough to be able to return to Raja Ampat sometime soon, and if I am, my first choice would be to spend my time at Papua Explorers!
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Date of stay: February 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Melinda_Papex, Manager at Papua Explorers Resort
Responded Mar 17, 2020
Dear Dylan. Thank you so much for your great review and your compliments! We are very glad that you had such a good time and enjoyed Papua Explorers and Raja Ampat. It was also very nice having you here at the resort (even though too short :-))! We hope to see you soon again and wish you all the best! Take care and greetings from the whole Papex Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JL S wrote a review Mar 2020
Singapore, Singapore
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I spent 5 days of awesome diving in Raja Ampat, and staying in Papua Exploreres. Everything is perfectly organised, the land staff, crew on the boat and dive guides are trained to provide with top quality service. Food is also great and the setup of the restaurant and facilities allow you to interact and share with all other guests and staff. Also, their Sea Center is working on very impactful projects and they do really care about conservation. I was really impressed with the coral restoration project and with the education program that are running for local kids. Thanks Papex! It was a fantastic holiday
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Date of stay: March 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Room Tip: Both rooms where I have stayed are fantastic with nice view of the sunset
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Melinda_Papex, Manager at Papua Explorers Resort
Responded Mar 13, 2020
Dear José. Thank you very much for your great review and the nice words! It was a pleasure to welcome you at the resort and we would be very happy to have you here again very soon! Take care and greetings from the whole Papex team. :-)
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christian w wrote a review Mar 2020
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I spent a week at Papua Explorers and I on the day I left I was wishing I had booked 2 weeks instead. This place really is amazing and I cant wait to go back. The staff is more helpful and friendly than any other place I have ever stayed. They really make you feel welcome. The food is also incredible which is surprising since your on an island in the middle of nowhere where the only restaurant gets its supplies boated in twice a week. I never got sick of a single meal there - everyday there was something new and delicious. Of course the good food and amazingly helpful and friendly staff are not the main attraction; it is the location and scenery that makes this place so special. The pictures really don't do it justice. You have to come here to really experience how beautiful, peaceful and breathtaking this place is. The rooms are literally right over the water, so aside from the breathtaking view from the patio you get your own private access to the water.

I did, on average, about two dives a day (of course you could do more if you wished) and every dive site was different and unique. The dive masters, like the rest of the staff, were all super helpful and friendly. I was a bit worried since prior to my stay at Papua Explorers I had not done a dive in over five years, however, the dive masters there were super accommodating. If, however, you are not a diver there is plenty of other activities. For one, the snorkeling right off the jetti is amazing; there is so much fish and coral to see there. In fact, with the exception of some sharks, rays and turtles, I saw almost all of the same underwater wildlife snorkeling off the jetti that I did on my dives. In addition to snorkeling there is kayaking, hiking to the village, massage and paddle boarding.

I cant speak for any other resorts in Raja Ampat, or Indonesia for that matter, however, having traveled throughout Asia, the US and Mexico I can say this is by far the best place I have stayed. I cant wait to go back there!
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Date of stay: February 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Melinda_Papex, Manager at Papua Explorers Resort
Responded Mar 14, 2020
Hi Christian. Thank you very much for your great and comprehensive review! We are very glad that you had such a good holiday and enjoyed our resort and Raja Ampat. It was a pleasure to have you here at the resort and we would love to welcome you again! Until then, take care and greetings from the whole team.
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PatB-traveller wrote a review Aug 2020
Buckingham, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
What a fabulous resort! The moment we first spotted it from the boat bringing us from Sorong, we knew we were in for a treat. As the boat drew near to the jetty, we were greeted by all the members of staff singing a welcome song. We then followed them down the jetty to the restaurant where we had a very welcome drink and a briefing.

The restaurant and all the guest bungalows are over the water, which is so relaxing in itself. During dinner, we could often hear nearby splashing and would go to the rail to see what we could spot – baby black-tip sharks and other critters. Our bungalow had everything we needed, including reef-friendly shampoo and shower wash. The large bed was very comfortable and each bungalow has its own verandah over the water, with a beautiful view of the ocean, the hills beyond and spectacular sunsets. Our bungalow had a hammock and daybed on the verandah. At high tide, it’s possible to swim from the verandah steps.

The diving in Raja Ampat is of course always amazing and the tenders take the divers out for two morning dives, back for lunch, then out for an afternoon dive. The dive centre is at the end of the jetty, so straight from there into the tenders. Everyone has his/her own basket for dive gear. If you prefer, you can snorkel on the house reef, where there is lots to see.

All the staff are so friendly and welcoming and always ready to help with anything. As for the food, oh dear, there goes the waistline again! Such a delicious spread at breakfast, lunch and dinner, all served buffet style. There are also snacks mid-afternoon.

We were there in 2019 and would thoroughly recommend it. As soon as the world goes back to normal, we will go back.
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Date of stay: September 2019
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rdana2017 wrote a review Feb 2020
Bucharest, Romania
5.0 of 5 bubbles
What makes this place special, except for the scenery and the seclusion, is the staff. In the middle of nowwhere, they manage to have a beautiful property, with good housekeeping, where the food is diverse and tasty and with a great diving team that educates the guest whilst giving them the freedom to explore.
One comment to make for the future: as a beach resort the absence of a Gin and tonic or Pinia Colada was hardly felt!
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Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Melinda_Papex, Manager at Papua Explorers Resort
Responded Feb 24, 2020
Dear Dana & Cristian. Thank you very much for your great review and the nice words. It was great to have you here at the resort and we would love to welcome you again! We're also working on the Gin & Tonic & Pina Colada situation. Soon we will enjoy the sunset with a great cocktail in our hands ;-) See you soon and greetings from the whole Papex team.
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Blake H wrote a review Nov 2022
Los Angeles, California
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This was our second trip to Papua Explorers since our first stay in 2016, and I am pleased to report that it is even better than before in so many ways.

Apo, the general manager for several years now, has brought a level of professionalism and innovation to this remote outpost that is truly amazing. We came for the diving (excellent) but we want to return as soon as possible because of the people. The staff truly care that things are going well for you, and they seem to have a radar sense if anything is amiss. (It rarely was)

This is an eco-resort (meaning No Air-Conditioning) but that was not an issue for us. A quiet fan placed so that it blows gently across the bed insures a good night's sleep.

The rooms are huge and beautiful, made from local materials, using local labor from the villages nearby. Very clean, with maid service daily.

The resort has helped support the village of Yenwaupnor for many years, and the people are outgoing and friendly.

The dive boats are fast and small, seating a maximum of 6 guests with two dive guides and a boat pilot. Virtually all dives are drift dives, and you can cover a lot of underwater terrain this way.

The diving? It was the best of all the places we went in Indonesia for the entire month of November. Every site is unique in terms of fish and underwater geography. You will not be bored, and most sites are less than 20 minutes away. Two dives in the morning, one in the afternoon, and a night dive as well, if you are so inclined.

While my wife and I appreciated the quality of the diving and the excellent staff, we really appreciated this this operation is trying to make the lives of the local people better through empowerment and training and making the environment better through cleanups, reef restoration, habitat protection. Supporting this resort means supporting the natural environment and native people of this area in a sustainable way. Yes, there is always going to be impact to the environment with travel, but this place is doing it's best to treat the people and the nature with thoughtful respect.
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Date of stay: November 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kiani Versluys, Guest Services / Front Office at Papua Explorers Resort
Responded Nov 30, 2022
Dear Blake and Cathy, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We were so pleased to welcome you again at Papua Explorers. We will continue with our efforts to empower the local people and take care of this wonderful paradise we can call our home. And of course we hope we can welcome you again sometime soon.
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John H wrote a review Dec 2021
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Beautiful, roomy, very clean rooms on the water with amazing aquatic wildlife shows in the clear water of the resort daily. Run by a superb resort manager, assisted ably by his talented wife and perpetually smiling young son, our family group of four was treated like an extension of the family; everyone was exceptionally helpful, friendly and instinctively kind…making for a dream stay. The resort manager is also an exceptional PADI instructor, calm, patient and gifted in his ability to make every aspect of diving easily understandable and repeatable. As a former 30+ year instructor pilot with a deep appreciation for instructor capability, I was beyond impressed with his abilities and the local instructors and dive guides he had expertly trained. And the diving, it’s Raja Ampat…incredible in every regard. I couldn’t give a more glowing review or a higher recommendation for this 5-star dive resort in the paradise of West Papua! The resort manager, owners and staff are also dedicated to eco friendly footprints and preservation of corals and marine life, seamlessly integrated into a world class resort. And the food and restaurant staff, in fact all the staff, are amazing…friendly, capable and expert in their jobs.
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Date of stay: December 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Room Tip: They are all equally amazing
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TK336 wrote a review Dec 2023
Indonesia
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We are just on our way home from an incredible week at Papua Explorers and highly recommend this resort and diving operation. The whole operation runs smooth and flawless with so much attention to their guests. From the beginning we felt at home. The entire team radiates such a warm atmosphere and will do anything to make sure you have the most incredible holiday. Needless to say, the diving is absolutely spectacular and their prime location offers easy access to the top spots. The food is absolutely delicious with plenty variety (also for guests with dietary restrictions!) - and what a pastry selection! And great coffee! The pondoks (water bungalows) are spacious and offer incredible sea views, housekeeping does a great job. They also have a SEA Centre which focuses on the environment/ sustainability and supports the local communities - just fantastic. Kudos to the management and entire team, keep up the great work! Thanks again for a wonderful stay and the warm hospitality! T&K.
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Date of stay: December 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Selen Yavuzdogan, Marketing at Papua Explorers Resort
Responded Dec 24, 2023
Dear T&K, thank you so much for taking time to write this beautiful review. We are so happy that you had a wonderful stay. We are looking forward to welcoming you again. Best wishes for 2024 !
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Kent S wrote a review Mar 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We spent 7 nights, 22 dives in February, the rainy season. Yes, it can pour like Niagara Falls but it only lasts minutes and then the sun can come out.
Large over-the-water accommodation. No need for A/C; just open the windows and doors. Since we were over salt water there were no mosquitoes or any insect life in the room at all. Reef safe toiletries are provided. Good food for all meals and lots of it. Some might say its rustic, but that's what we expected. It is at the very end of a very long logistical chain so don't expect the Bahamas or Caymans. Excellent staff working with Kiani.
But a visitor comes for the diving. There is an equally excellent dive crew from the boat captains to the dive masters/guides: all locals. Dive sites are a maximum of 45 minutes away. Endless varieties of fish and coral life. All that life needs food to eat so there can be less than gin-clear visibility but then that's what attracts the manta rays.
A very cool experience.
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Date of stay: February 2023
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kiani Versluys, Guest Services / Front Office at Papua Explorers Resort
Responded Mar 24, 2023
Dear Kent, thank you so much for leaving this great review. We're thrilled to read that you had a nice experience staying with us. Hopefully we can welcome you again in the future!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
justavegangirl wrote a review Apr 2021
Jakarta, Indonesia
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The week I spent at Papua Explorers will absolutely be one of the most memorable trips of my life. I cannot speak more highly of the staff and the experience they provided for myself and my friends. Apo took care of us from the moment we arrived until our departure. The resort is just beautiful and the rooms are clean and comfortable. My friends and I loved watching sunset every night and seeing the sharks swim around the restaurant. I am vegan and my friend has several food allergies, but this did not prevent the chefs from cooking delicious meals. They even made vegan/gluten-free desserts! As for the diving, I felt in such good hands with PE. They follow all rules/regulations from observing max dive times, checking Nitrox, ascending safely, etc. everyday dive was safe and fun. I told Fiyian I wanted to see Pygmy seahorses and he found them for me! The day trip to Fam Islands and the two dives we did out there was probably my favorite day overall. Just stunning to be in Raja Ampat, a place that was on my bucket list for years. I thought this would be a one time trip, but honestly after my experience with PE, I can absolutely see myself returning again!
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Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Califcat623 asked a question Oct 2022
Riverside, California60 contributions11 helpful votes
How are the mosquitoes at this resort in January/February?
Answer from Selen Y
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Hi. Our bungalows are all over water with a constant breeze and there is no still water around or at the resort. So we don't have any mosquito issues all year round.
25rania asked a question Dec 2020
Jakarta, Indonesia44 contributions8 helpful votes
Do you provide diving course?
Answer from Selen Y
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Yes, we do provide dive courses.
Answer from Tunc Y
Raja Ampat, Indonesia3 contributions
H Bharath , of course ,everyone is allowed to stay , and in fact 50% of our guests are Non-Divers or snorkelers ,lots of activity's around as already mentioned above...Regards,
Answer from FindNorman
Melbourne, Australia28 contributions20 helpful votes
We have been twice and have had no issues with safety
Answer from Tunc Y
Raja Ampat, Indonesia3 contributions
Hi Theressa , Thanks for considering us for your holidays . Yes we cater for snorkelers and in fact 50% of our guests are non divers and snorkelers ,visiting us for the tranquility of Raja Ampat. Therefore we do provide a lot of sightseeing tour options including Pianemo Lagoon .Details can be found on the downloadable info document on our website's rates page,Best regards,
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manuelgI1841WF wrote a tip Apr 2024
Crowborough, United Kingdom7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"No air-con in bungalows but with a fan and the views from the private terrace more than make up for this. "
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Deborah B wrote a tip Feb 2024
La Jolla, California4 contributions3 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"bring body lotion and your own alcohol if you are fussy about your cocktails. stick the great brewed coffee in the monring. :-) "
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yojude wrote a tip Jan 2024
San Rafael, California126 contributions72 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"It takes a bit of effort to get to Raja Ampat, but it will be well worth it."
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Liesa C wrote a tip Dec 2023
Studham, null, United Kingdom22 contributions6 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"if I could make one recomendations - bring a couple of large pegs - handy to pin out your swimsuite and stop it blowing away! "
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peter b wrote a tip Nov 2023
Den Bosch, The Netherlands13 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"jUST ENJOY EVERY MINUTE"
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There are more places to choose from in the Yenwaoupnor area.
LOCATION
IndonesiaWest PapuaRaja AmpatYenwaoupnor
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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PAPUA EXPLORERS RESORT - Updated 2024

Frequently Asked Questions about Papua Explorers Resort
What are some of the property amenities at Papua Explorers Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Papua Explorers Resort?
Top room amenities include a mosquito net, a seating area, and a sofa.
What food & drink options are available at Papua Explorers Resort?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Does Papua Explorers Resort have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Papua Explorers Resort offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Papua Explorers Resort have airport transportation?
Yes, Papua Explorers Resort offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Papua Explorers Resort?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, French, German, Indonesian, and Turkish.
Does Papua Explorers Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.